2 Washington hospital systems to combine forces
SEATTLE — Two of Western Washington’s largest hospital systems have announced a plan to create a new not-for-profit entity to operate an even larger health care system in the state.
Leaders of Swedish Health Services and Providence Health & Services described their “innovative affiliation” Wednesday as one driven by economic necessity. They stressed that the move is not a merger or acquisition, according to a story by The Seattle Times.
The proposed new entity will include all of Swedish’s operations in King, Snohomish and Kittitas counties and all of Providence’s operations in King, Snohomish, Thurston and Lewis counties. Providence will keep its name and Catholic identity; Swedish will retain its name and remain a non-religious organization.
Swedish operates five hospitals and clinics in its affected area while Providence operates three hospitals and 21 senior and community service programs in its target counties.
